Star Tracks - Jan. 7, 2013

The inuagural Wine and Fashion Gala of St. Mary’s Closet, the thrift shop inside the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church campus in Stuart, takes place on Jan 12.The event runs from 6-8 p.m. at the church’s Pittenger Center. St. Mary’s Closet is an outreach ministry that donates money to local charities, this time, Volunteers In Medicine (VIM). Tickets are $25 per person or $125 for a table of six and include wine, hors d’ouevres, prize drawings and a fashion show featuring articles from St. Mary’s Closet. There will also be local arts and crafts vendors. Tickets are available at St. Mary’s Closet, or email stmaryscloset@stmarys-stuart.org for information.

Who’s on board?

Tykes and Teens has added three Martin County residents to its board of directors.

Lon Kight replaces his friend, the late Jack Christin, as treasurer. Also joining are Stephen Fry and Lew Werlin.

Tykes and Teens was established in 1996 and serves more than 2,000 local children and adolescents annually, regardless of financial status.

Do you love diamonds?

The Founding Friends of Treasure Coast Hospice invites you to its annual Butterfly Luncheon, scheduled for Jan. 28 at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Palm City. This year’s theme is “Diamonds are Forever,” and will include a fashion show featuring all of the latest looks from Harbour Bay Plaza. Pianist John Byrne adds to the ambiance of the afternoon. A diamond pendant donated by Atlantis Jewelers will be included in the silent auction, along with eight original water color paintings and other exciting items. Tickets are $100 per person.

For information, call Jennifer Ferrari at (772) 403-4594.

RTS raises awareness

Redeem The Shadows (RTS) was honored with a City of Stuart proclamation making Jan. 11 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

To celebrate, RTS will host a two-day event to promote awareness of human trafficking in Martin County dubbed the “Orange Campaign” (orange symbolizes solidarity for the victims). Festivities kick-off at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 10 at The Pine School with a rally to promote student activism. On Jan. 11, RTS sponsors a day-long event that includes a variety of activities from a march to an art show and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more, call RTS at (772) 678-0037.

13th Annual Caritas Christi

On Jan. 27, St. Joseph Catholic Church and School will hold its 13th Annual Caritas Christi Celebration at Sailfish Point Country Club in Stuart. The gala benefits educational and outreach ministries, of which there are more than 100. For information, email apwintercorn@comcast.net.

Mariner Cay quily

The Mariner Cay food drive kicked off Nov. 1st and will culminate with a drawing on Jan. 18 for a handmade quilt with a Florida design. Tickets are one for $10 or three for $25. All proceeds support the House of Hope food pantry. For tickets, contact Nancy Bohen at (772)283-4221 or nkbohen@gmail.com.

Blues Alliance benefit

The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast holds its second benefit for the winners of the Playoff of Bands, who will be going to the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Playoff winners Josh “The Pitbull of Blues” Rowand and Stoney and the House Rockers perform at the benefit, which will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Jan. 20 at Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina in Port Salerno. Rain date is Jan. 27. For more, email verocotton@aol.com.

Out with a bang

Former Martin County Commissioners Ed Ciampi and Patrick Hayes ended their tenure with a typically generous gesture, presenting the YMCA in Indiantown with $15,000 for swim lessons, infant care and summer camp, the three most important programs that the Y offers at that branch.

“Both Hayes and Ciampi were both very active in Indiantown while in office,” stated Shawn Keil, executive branch director. “They understand the challenges of this community. I applaud them both for all they do.”

Charity Cook Off

A “Charity Cook Off” fundraiser takes place at Monarch Country Club in Palm City at 6 p.m. on Jan. 21 and features a four- course seated dinner. Two teams of non-professional Sous Chefs compete and will be judged on their creations. There will be a raffle and cash bar. Judges for the event are Sharon Kinane, Carolyn Davi, Jenny Yingling and Stephen M. Berardi, Sr. Tickets are $30 per person. For reservations, email cathy.sitcov@ourclub.com.